Senate vote gives a reprieve to education tax credit program

By GARRY RAYNOState House BureauApril 18. 2013 1:04PMCONCORD - On a party line vote, the Senate tabled House Bill 370, effectively killing the bill which would repeal a new school scholarship program funded through business tax credits.

Senate Democrats argued the program was unconstitutional and took money away from public schools, while Republicans argued it provides an alternative for poor children who do not fit into public education.

Republicans argued lawmakers should wait to see if the program is successful, but Democrats argued bad policy is bad policy.

The House passed the bill 188-151. The bill was approved last year over former Gov. John Lynch's veto.